Lewis Hamilton confessed to being `gobsmacked` after securing Sprint pole position for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Following significant anticipation surrounding his move from Mercedes after 12 years, Hamilton experienced a disappointing Ferrari debut in Australia the previous weekend, finishing 10th.
His performance, along with McLaren`s perceived advantage, lowered expectations for the first Sprint event of the season in Shanghai. However, Hamilton surprised everyone with an exceptional lap, claiming his first pole position for Ferrari.
Hamilton expressed his astonishment, saying, “I`m just a bit gobsmacked, taken back by it. I didn`t know when we would get to this position.”
“After last weekend, it was a tough start to the week. We came here with determination, aiming to get the car in a great condition for the weekend.”
“I immediately felt better with the car. I can`t believe we`re at the front, ahead of a McLaren that has been very fast throughout winter testing, Australia, and even today.”
“I`m truly grateful to be up there with these incredible drivers and so close to all these other teams.”
Hamilton will start on the front row for Saturday`s Sprint alongside his long-time rival Max Verstappen, who also capitalized on McLaren`s unexpected dip in performance to secure second place for Red Bull.
Oscar Piastri leads McLaren in third, while Lando Norris, the winner in Melbourne, could only manage sixth.
Hamilton significantly outperformed his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth, and his former Mercedes teammate George Russell, who was fifth.
Hamilton added, “I didn`t anticipate this result, but I`m incredibly happy and proud.”
“The last race was a disaster for us, and we knew there was more potential in the car, but we couldn`t extract it.”
“Coming to a track I love, Shanghai, a beautiful place, with amazing weather, the car felt alive from the first lap.”
“We made some excellent changes, and the team did a fantastic job during the break to prepare the car.”
“I`m still a bit shocked. I can`t believe we got pole position for the Sprint. It puts us in a strong position for the race.”
Hamilton Hopeful About Holding Lead in Sprint
While Hamilton surpassed McLarens in qualifying, Red Bull demonstrated impressive pace during practice long runs. Verstappen remains a significant threat from his starting position.
Hamilton has limited long-run experience with the SF-25, due to a technical issue during pre-season testing and a chaotic wet race in Australia.
He commented, “I didn`t do a race simulation in Bahrain testing, and last weekend`s race was wet. Tomorrow will be my first proper long race run, and Sunday will be my first real dry race run with this car.”
“I hope we can maintain our position, but I expect McLarens and Max to be very fast.”
“However, we are in a good starting position, and we`ll remain positive, keep our spirits up, and continue pushing forward.”
Hamilton`s Move Justified
Sky Sports F1`s Karun Chandhok suggested Hamilton`s result partially validates his move to Ferrari.
“What a story! Lewis Hamilton on pole!” Chandhok exclaimed. “Melbourne wasn`t a fairytale, but we only waited six days for this moment.”
“He is incredibly popular among Chinese fans, and globally.”
“This result justifies his move in some respects. He seems re-energized, reinvigorated, and rem motivated, and crucially, he delivered today.”
Sky Sports F1`s Martin Brundle noted Hamilton`s and Verstappen`s experience in SQ3, highlighting their ability to optimize tire performance.
“From the first four corners, Hamilton was spot on,” Brundle observed.
“The car was very stable, he managed the throttle well, and got the tires in the ideal window, as did Max.”
“Max`s experience is evident again. Championship leader Norris is down in sixth, which is not ideal for him.”
Marcus Prine